What Is Chrome Update Center?
What is causing Chrome Update Center pop-up message? Why does it keep popping up in the browser? How to remove unwanted programs from your computer?
Chrome Update Center pop-up message could load in your browser in an attempt to convince you that your browser version is outdated. This message aims to force you to update Chrome trick you into installing a Chrome update that will prevent the occurrence of eventual critical errors such as personal data loss and confidential information leak. In fact, this message is yet another scam that endangers the overall security of your computer.
So, be advised to read our guide and learn how to get rid of all potentially harmful files that may be running on your system.
Online users have been reporting that their browsers are compromised with Maranhesduve, so apparently, the infection is still lurking across the web.
What to Do If You See the Chrome Update Center Pop-Up?
If you receive this pop-up message or a similar one please do not download anything. Such scam messages always aim to trick you into allowing the execution of some virus/malware on your computer. Chrome never prompts you about updating, but will simply automatically download and install any available Chrome updates directly from Google servers.
Note that Google Chrome is configured to perform automatic updates when a new version of the browser is available on your device. Normally updates happen in the background when you close and reopen your computer’s browser. However, since this message is a scam, you should also check your computer for unwanted programs and even malware.
Chrome Update Center Details
| Name | Chrome Update Center |
| Type | Scam, PUP |
| Short Description | Deceptive message that alarms for critical browser erros. |
| Symptoms | Browsing sessions are redirected to corrupted web pages that urge you to update your outdated Chrome browser version. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Chrome Update Center – Spread Techniques
Chrome Update Center pop-up message appears in your browser after a redirect to a malicious or corrupted website. On one hand, it’s a recently installed unwanted program that may be causing unexpected redirects to infected websites. On the other hand, visits to other shady websites could be the reason for this fake Chrome update notification to appear in your browser.
If this scam message is generated by a present undesired program, you probably got tricked into installing this program on your device during the installation of another desired and supposedly useful one. This technique is called software bundling and it is realized with the help of infected software installers. It is known to be preferred by malicious actors.
Since the majority of online users skip reading all details mentioned in installers’ EULA (end-user license agreement), this section is often misused by malicious actors to hide the presence of their rubbish apps. This way they could easily obtain users’ permission for the installation of all added undesired programs. Programs that distribute undesired programs are often released on shady websites and P2P networks.
To avoid unattended installations of undesired programs you should always select “Custom” or “Advanced” options while installing new programs. Don’t miss the details mentioned there as they could help you prevent the installation of undesired apps.
Chrome Update Center – What Does It Do?
When you land on any bogus web page infected with Chrome Update Center message you will see the following pop-up:
As suggested by the presented text, an outdated browser version is causing a critical error. Here is a copy of this message:
Chrome Update Center
A critical error has occurred due to the outdated version of the browser.
Update your browser as soon as possible.
The following errors are also possible on outdated versions of the browser:
Loss of personal and stored data
Confidential information leak
Browser errors
[Update]
The aim of this message is to convince you that your browser is generating a critical error due to an outdated version. By presenting this deceptive information the pop-up attempts to trick you into installing a Chrome update. To be more persuasive, it states that the update will prevent the occurrence of further critical errors such as personal data loss and confidential information leak. However, a click on the Update button presented by this scam message could endanger the overall security of your computer. Instead of downloading a legitimate update package for your Chrome browser, the scam could infect your device with malware.
As revealed by another our report on Fake Google Chrome Update, the scam could drop harmful files in C:\ProgramData\Google\update\. However, since there are different hacker collectives that are launching these nasty attack campaigns with Chrome Update Center scam, the location for suspicious files could be different as well.
In case that you keep seeing redirects to this scam, it is very likely that any undesired program is running on your device. Beware that such a program may be using all of the tracking technologies mentioned below to monitor your online activity:
- Cookies
- LSOs
- Pixels
- Tags
- Geo-locators.
The use of those technologies could enable the undesired app to perform unsolicited data collection. So it could be able to obtain details like IP address, searches, clicks, browsing history and other. As a result, you may start seeing other types of advertisements, like pop-up banners, browser redirects, and ad-supported search results that may lead to suspicious pages.
To sum up the load of Google Chrome Update scam and other deceptive ads in your web browser may lead to serious security issues that could damage both your computer and data. That’s why security experts recommend victims to secure their computers by removing all suspicious files that are likely to be associated with the appearance of Google Chrome Update scam.
Is Chrome Update Center a Virus?
No, this pop-up message is not a virus as it doesn’t have any of the properties that computer viruses have. However, it is an indication of another issue, typically associated with an ad-supported and potentially unwanted program.
How to Check for Chrome Updates?
When in Chrome:
- 1) At the top right, click the three dots for More.
2) Click Help and then About Google Chrome.
3) Your current version is the number beneath the ‘Google Chrome’ heading. If there is an available update Chrome will check for it when you’re on this page.
How to Remove Chrome Update Center Scam Pop-up
In order to remove Chrome Update Center scam message along with all files that may be enabling its appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. In the guide below you will find all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of present undesired programs and strengthen the security of your device we recommend you to combine the steps. Have in mind that potential files installed by this scam may be detected with unrelated names.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us at our email.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Chrome Update Center from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Chrome Update Center with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Chrome Update Center and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Chrome Update Center on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Chrome Update Center there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Chrome Update Center (Windows).
Get rid of Chrome Update Center from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Chrome Update Center and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Chrome Update Center. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Chrome Update Center via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Chrome Update Center files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Chrome Update Center, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Chrome Update Center (Mac)
Remove Chrome Update Center from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Chrome Update Center from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Chrome Update Center from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Chrome Update Center from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Chrome Update Center will be removed.
Eliminate Chrome Update Center from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Chrome Update Center-FAQ
What Is Chrome Update Center?
The Chrome Update Center threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Chrome Update Center?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Chrome Update Center?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Chrome Update Center Work?
Once installed, Chrome Update Center can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Chrome Update Center can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Chrome Update Center Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Chrome Update Center Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Chrome Update Center how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Chrome Update Center?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Chrome Update Center threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.